Page 51 of Ancient Promises

“We’re delightful,” her mate said as he walked into the kitchen.

“Uh, yeah, except when you two are getting busy. Then there’s not enough noise-canceling headphones in the world to stop what you two do.”

Diem’s cheeks heated, but she laughed. Having excellent hearing as a shifter meant you pretty much heard everything. “Sorry.”

“Hell, don’t apologize. If the shoe were on the other foot and I was the one moaning my mate’s name, I wouldn’t apologize.”

Diem laughed again and hugged her friend. “I’ve really loved having you here. I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too. But we’ll still hang out.”

“Right, book club is coming up.”

“And we’re going to the bar on Friday too, plus the full moon is Saturday night.”

“Did I tell you my dad got permission from his alpha to join our pack for the full moon as a guest? Eivross invited him during our video chat the other day, and he was so excited.”

“Oh, I get to meet your dad? That’s so cool. How’s he like the idea of you being mated to a dragon?”

“He loves it. He’s always worried about my safety, but no one will mess with me with such a big, fierce mate.”

“That’s so awesome.” Arely sighed. “I hope I find my mate soon.”

“You will. And in the meantime, I can’t wait to shift and hunt with the pack.” While Eivross was too big in his shift to be in the woods, he would be flying overhead and keeping everyone safe.

“It’ll be a kicking weekend,” Arely said.

Eivross carried the box out to the truck he’d purchased over the weekend and set it in the back, along with the bedroom furniture he’d dismantled.

She and Eivross followed Arely to her new home on the other side of town in a small development. The house, which had just been finished and available for someone to move in, was an adorable two-bedroom with room to expand, flower beds filled with colorful flowers, and a large tree that had an old swing hanging from a low branch.

Once they’d unloaded all her things, Eivross left them alone in the house and she and Arely said goodbye. It wasn’t the sort of goodbye where you never saw the person again, because they had plans to see each other at the school and around town, plus their weekend plans, but it wasn’t the same as living together.

“I’m going to freaking miss you,” Diem said.

“Me too.”

“You’ve been a great roommate. I hope you enjoy your new house; it’s so cute. I love your yard too.”

The two friends walked to the front porch, arms over each other’s shoulders. “I can picture a kid playing there,” Arely said, her voice going dreamy.

“I’ll be bringing my kids over to play too,” Diem promised. “They’ll need lots of time with their Aunt Arely.”

“And Aunt Diem and Uncle Eivross can make sure they love to read.”

“You bet,” Diem said.

They hugged once more. “See you tomorrow at the school,” Arely said. “I’m making chicken nuggets and mac and cheese.”

“I love your chicken nuggets!”

“I’ll be sure to save you two some.”

“You’re the best.”

“Thanks for helping me move. See ya!”

Diem got into Eivross’s truck, buckled up, then waved at her friend.